in the background

phrase

: in a position that avoids attracting attention

He was a shy man who always tried to keep/stay in the background.

Examples of in the background in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Put the terms in writing, ask the direct question, and choose transparency before resentment starts doing math in the background. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

There’s a sisyphean sensation, emphasized by the instrumental version of a song looped in the background for most of the film. — Matilda Hague, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

One of McGregor’s favorite scenes happens when Denise takes a Polaroid picture of Greg and his sledgehammer as two randy dinos in the background get it on against a single family home. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

When a place becomes very Instagrammable, people are trying to get that perfect bikini shot at the pool, and other guests are often in the background. — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for in the background

• abound
• aground
• around
• astound
• campground
• clothbound
• confound
• earthbound
• eastbound
• expound
• fairground
• foreground